Shropshire Star

Former Shropshire businesswoman Stephanie Booth killed in tractor accident

A businesswoman who ran leisure and entertainment complex in Shropshire and a chain of hotels across North Wales has died following a tractor accident at her home.

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Stephanie Booth died following the crash on a farm on the outskirts of Corwen in North Wales.

Neighbours and friends have been paying tribute to Mrs Booth, 70, who said she loved the home she shared with her husband, David.

The former hotelier was known for doing work on the 50-acre-farm herself.

The emergency services were called to land at a property in Corwen shortly after 8pm on Sunday.

Police, the ambulance and fire service and also the North East Wales Search and Rescue team went to the scene.

Police said the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

They said officers are now investigating the accident and that enquiries into the death are now underway.

A police spokesman said: "Both the Health and Safety Executive and HM Coroner have been informed of the accident."

They have not released details but local neighbours have named her as Mrs Booth.

Mrs Booth was born Keith Hull but went through gender reassignment in 1982. She later launched a series of businesses for the transgender community.

In 2011 Mrs Booth opened the first phase of a £2 million leisure and entertainment complex, McLarens, in Oswestry.

The building, former railway engineering sheds off Gobowen Road, housed an indoor play barn for children - The Fantastic Funhouse and a cafe - and the businesswoman had plans to open a bistro and ice skating rink as well as a theatre and cinema.

However within months her businesses, including a chain of hotels in Llangollen, The Chainbridge, Wild Pheasant and Bryn Howel, went into administration.

McClarens closed in August 2011.

Mrs Booth was also linked with a takeover of Wrexham Football Club. But she walked away from the deal saying she had been hounded out of helping Wrexham by a minority of supporters.

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